Aviation American Gin Signs With Blackheath

July 12, 2013

House Spirits Distillery, the renowned Portland-based craft distillery that is co-owned by NFL legend Joe Montana, announced today a national sales partnership with Blackheath Beverage Group (BBG) to capitalize on the strong momentum of its flagship Aviation American Gin.

BBG specializes in providing spirits brands with an efficient alternative to direct sales and importers while producing greater distribution, marketing and sales results. Under the agreement, BBG’s team will partner with House Spirits’ in-house sales organization to unleash Aviation American Gin’s full potential.

“Over the past year, Aviation American Gin grew from limited regional to full national distribution coverage, as we launched the brand in over two dozen states. With national distribution now in place, our partnership with Blackheath Beverage Group will fuel explosive volume growth throughout the country,” said Thomas Mooney, co-owner and CEO of House Spirits Distillery. “Aviation American Gin is the pioneer of a new, more balanced expression of gin, and the highest rated gin in the world by Wine Enthusiast (97 points). Blackheath Beverage Group complements our strength as innovators, providing deep industry expertise, and sharing a similar entrepreneurial energy. Jay Harkins and his team have delivered remarkable results for a variety of celebrated spirits brands, and we’re thrilled to have them on board as a national sales partner.”

Jay Harkins, CEO of BBG, said “Our relationship with House Spirits and their flagship brand, Aviation American Gin, further solidifies our positioning and commitment to working with only the finest brands and people in the industry. We strive to partner with high-potential and innovative brands that need the support and industry expertise that is necessary to succeed in the rapidly growing and overcrowded spirits segment. Aviation American Gin already provides a solid foundation to become a very successful brand in the industry.”

Aviation American Gin is the direct result of House Spirits Distillery’s partnership with internationally-acclaimed mixologist Ryan Magarian, marking the first distiller-and-mixologist collaboration in American history. The award-winning spirit brings together exotic spices from around the world including cardamom, coriander, anise seed, dried sweet orange peel, lavender, Indian sarsaparilla and juniper. The masterful blend of citrus, floral and savory notes makes this small-batch spirit extremely mixable, and outstanding in contemporary culinary cocktails or vintage drinks alike. It’s crafted from all-natural ingredients including naturally gluten-free American grain spirit.